"And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun,
and his garments became white as light."
Matthew 17:2

Today's Gospel reading tells us the story of the transfiguration of Christ. When meditating on this Gospel, I was struck by the words, "...and his face shone like the sun and his garments became white as light." The disciples, Peter, James and John, were given the privilege of seeing Christ in His full glory. And as a result, they "fell on their faces and were filled with awe." They were so awestruck by His glory, they literally fell prostrate on the ground. If we were in their shoes, I think we would have done the same thing. We couldn't handle it! It makes me think of the song by Mercy Me, I Can Only Imagine, and the refrain which says, "Surrounded by Your glory, what would my heart feel, would I dance for you, Jesus, or in awe of you be still, will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall, will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all, I can only imagine." Because our Lord's glory is so great, beyond anything we can imagine, He chose to give Himself to us in the Eucharist, in the form of bread and wine. He is there, in His fullness - Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity - yet, again, His glory remains hidden. Only when we get to heaven will we enjoy His presence with His glory fully revealed.

In the meantime, we should strive to look past the mere appearances of bread and wine, and give God the reverence and adoration He is owed as our Lord and King, Savior and Redeemer. What a gift we have been given to receive Him, even daily, into our very bodies. He wants us to share in His glory, with Him, in heaven. One of the best ways we can draw closer to Him, and receive the graces necessary to grow in holiness, is to receive Him in Holy Communion.

Lord, help me to love You more deeply, and receive You with a pure heart. Thank You for the gift of Yourself in the Eucharist. Help me to remain always close to You, so that one day I may see you face to face. Amen.